I recently met with a group of young teens. They were all considered to be "Troubled kids." But here in a group setting we sought out some of the quality thoughts and expressions they had. They know what they need to help and encourage them.

Half of the behaviors that tag a bad kid are behaviors they do on purpose to earn the title. So why do they want to be "bad" and can they be "bad" in a good way?

We separated into groups of seven. I immediately told them I had the upper hand because God's holy number is 7. We went around just introducing ourselves and I asked for a few color words that would tell me something about who they are.

Before long everyone was giggling and expressing themselves. We got into nicknames that other people called them and of course we came up with some funny stuff.

I gave them all construction paper and asked them to draw anything at all but something that was important to them. The next half hour I asked them to describe in words to me why what they drew was important to them.

I could not believe some of the pictures and the answers. Now some could not draw worth a dime but... wow!... could they express power words for how they felt about their subject. Others could draw in great details and the picture actually said it all. When I saw what they wrote it would be one or two words scribbled on the paper. So the talent here was in how carefully they placed the details when they drew from the heart.

What a group of cool kids. We closed on a happy note and everyone wanted to know when they could come back again.

I am really happy to be part of a wonderful help program in our community. Not one of those teens got upset that they were drawing and writing on kindergarten supplies.

As the sessions ended I told them it was just this easy to express themselves at home to draw or write when they were upset, sad, or just bored. It gets the feelings out before they build up and come out in other negative ways.

I am inclined to think that if you take time to look deeply. You can find something good and positive and very cool in every person.

I just hope there is another adult out there in my children's lives that will look deeply enough to see how "Cool and Amazing" they are.

I challenge anyone reading this to take a moment smile and talk to a young teen next week. See what you can do in a brief conversation to inspire them. I would bet what they say may inspire you.

Hugs,

Shar